 "Ramesh Sippy's 'Sholay' and SS Rajamouli's 'Baahubali': Two blockbusters that changed Indian cinema forever")
There are few films that have truly changed the course of action in the entertainment world and reigned supreme as the biggest cultural phenomena in India. From presenting the most amazing stories to their brilliant characterisations, from challenging ongoing norms to creating a new cinematic canvas and setting box office records, such films have truly redefined cinema and are still remembered today.
If we look at the two biggest hits of the last half-century, two names easily come to mind, Sholay and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion . These are the films that truly emerged as groundbreaking successes and reshaped the landscape of Indian cinema in terms of storytelling and box office achievements.
Taking a closer look at both films, Sholay, which has now turned 50, is undoubtedly a cinema of its own kind. It is a film that gave Indian audiences the very trademarks they still cherish today. It was one of the longest-running films in history. Directed by Ramesh Sippy and written by the incredible screenwriting duo Salim–Javed, the film arrived as a massive shift in storytelling. It gave audiences timeless cinematic elements, iconic characters like Jai, Veeru, Gabbar Singh, and Basanti, a memorable music album, and one of the greatest stories ever told. The way it brought all these elements together helped Sholay achieve a legendary cult status.
Coming to another timeless classic, Baahubali 2: The Conclusion , which has completed 10 years now, S. S. Rajamouli’s cinematic wonder stands as the biggest box-office phenomenon that opened the doors for Pan-India cinema and gave a new vision to larger-than-life storytelling. Arriving as one of the most awaited sequels ever, the film achieved success that remains unmatched. It set a new benchmark by becoming the first Indian film to gross over ₹1,000 crore, and its lifetime collection is estimated to be around ₹1,800 crore, a milestone many films still aspire to reach.
Be it Sholay or Baahubali 2: The Conclusion, both films have reshaped the Indian entertainment industry. They stand tall not only in terms of pure numbers but also in their cultural impact. The success of these films created the biggest cultural waves in India, and the industry’s growth trajectory has never been the same since their release. This is the reason why, even after so many years, both continue to enjoy a cult status in Indian cinema.